FERIA DE CABALLO: Spanish Style Horse Fair

What better way to celebrate the 4^th of July than starting the day before with an exciting evening full of wonderful horse exhibitions?

On July 3^rd around 110 people were treated at Dr. Jane Bistline’s Horses and Hounds farm to an outstanding event: the Feria de Caballo or Horse Fair. Her newly built covered arena was decorated with American motifs for Independence Day; and, while a lineup of magnificent horses performed for the public, delicious food was served, and even Italian gelato was available at the mobile ice cream car parked ringside.

Truth to the American spirit, Christopher White did a very touching opening of the evening, carrying the flag while cantering Duke around the arena with the Star-Spangled Banner playing in the speakers.

A spectacular presentation followed with none other than Dr. Bistline long lining her beautiful PRE Batidor. Javier Ruiz Garrido, Batidor’s trainer and Dr. Bistline’s coach, was present not only to supervise his talented pupils, but also to demonstrate how good he is at being a show man on horses. On top of the Friesian Merlin and the PRE Zagal, he demonstrated different tricks and movements of classical dressage. One thing to note: the smile on his face reflects the absolute joy the work with these animals produces for him. A joy that we all witnessed and felt too. 

The night performances included several more acts like Dr. Joanne Trout with her gorgeous Lusitano cross gelding Jeep doing a dressage demonstration; same as Vincent Serrano on board of the stunning Grand Prix PRE Ulises, owned by Precision Andalusians; and Robin Johnson on her very young, charming, and spirited mare Golden Opportunity performing a Western Dressage test.  

The night ended with a fun trail competition. Western cowboys and cowgirls on top of their horses - or leading them - maneuvered through them with expertise and precision. There were gates to open, poles to jump, a “bull” to rope, a slalom of poles to weave through and a platform to step on. Even Dr. Bistline brought her mini to go through the course!

Horses of different ages, sizes, breeds, and colors offered a very entertaining spectacle on this inaugural Feria de Caballo. An event that will, for sure, be repeated in the future!

by Carmen Franco